I looked back to see Michael standing there with two cups of tea. "He's beautiful," I said turning back to Pablo.
Michael smiled and set a cup next to me. I looked up at him, "Thank you," I said still petting the oversized cat. "I thought you weren't home."
"Oh, I just got back from a bike ride. I'm going to have my tea then hop in the shower. Jean is going to come over tonight to be with you. She wants to cook you dinner." He winked at me.
"Plans?" I tried to sound as casual as possible.
"Yeah, I'm going over to Sara's, Wally's mom, for dinner. Wally wants to show me something he's working on too."
"Kewl." I smiled, "You know, I don't need a babysitter."
He grinned, "I know, but Jean offered. Besides, It's good for her, and you."
I chuckled as Pablo hopped off my lap and followed Michael to his room.
That night Mrs. Rose came over. It was adorable how paternal she was with me. It reminded me that I should call my own mother. Mrs. Rose made the most delicious pot roast I had ever had. We sat at the table talking for a bit.
After a long pause, I had to know something. "Mrs. Rose?"
"Yes dear?"
"How long have you known Michael?"
"Since he arrived in Faith. Why?"
"Just curious I suppose. What's Wally's mom like?"
Mrs. Rose got up and walked to a shelf chuckling. She picked up a picture frame and sat back down handing it to me. I looked at it as she said, "A very resilient woman."
It was a picture of a very young Wally with both his parents. He father was very handsome. Blonde, muscular, strong. You could see the love for his family in his eyes.
His mother was the woman Michael was talking to at the poetry reading. She had a natural beauty. Dark hair, fair complexion, big brown eyes.
"She's beautiful." I handed the picture back. "Wally has her eyes."
Mrs. Rose nodded, "Jim, Sara's husband, and Michael were very close. They were like brothers. That's one of the reasons he makes sure everything goes well for
Wally."
I nodded. "Is there anything going on between Sara and Michael?"
She gave me a concerned look, "They are very close. As for anything romantic,
Michael has never said anything. But then, he never talks about his personal life."
"Oh."
At that moment Michael walked through the door. Mrs. Rose and I both smiled at him.
He shut the door, looked at both of us and asked, "What'd I do?"
Mrs. Rose and I giggled while he grinned. "I should probably get home before
Chuck starts to worry," chimed Mrs. Rose as she quickly left. Michael and I both said goodnight as she left.
"How was dinner?" I asked Michael as he started putting tonight's dishes away.
"It was good. Wally's building a telescope." He chuckled, "How was yours?"
"Oh very kewl. Mine was delicious. Mrs. Rose is an amazing cook."